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Thursday, June 15, 2023
EHS Professional is an online publication of the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM)
are compiled from independent sources and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IHMM.
Certified School Safety Manager® [CSSM®]
IHMM’s Certified School Safety Manager® [CSSM®] credential certifies the school safety professional who is responsible for overseeing and supporting key operational and safety functions in educational facilities. This position may provide direct supervision or advise operations and academic programs in order to provide an environment free of recognized hazards.
Learn more about the CSSM here > https://ihmm.org/cssm/
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IHMM Credential Recognition
Below you will see the 4 EHS credential badges that are now in each CSHM, CSMP, ASHM, CSSM, and Student ASHM certificant’s MYIHMM account. Every IHMM certificant may use these badges, linked as those below are to their IHMM credential page, for their email signatures, business cards, and other social media applications. You’re justifiably proud of the accomplishment of having earned your credential and you can show the rest of the world. Simply right-click on the badge of choice, then save as to your computer, and then load it to wherever you want to use it and please link that back to https://ihmm.org/.
IHMM Certificant Recognition
IHMM has completed inserting new credential badges in every certificant’s MYIHMM account. Everyone may access those badges for use in their email signatures, LinkedIn accounts, and other social media and communications media. With a link from your credential badge to the IHMM website [see above] you can not only stand out as an IHMM-certified professional, you can also promote IHMM credentials to others. Right-click on the badge of choice, save as to your computer, then load it to whatever medium you choose.
Throughout our certificant’s MYIHMM accounts are also now placed 10 Year, 20 Year, and 30 Year badges signifying their longevity as an IHMM certified professional.
IHMM has also added Distinguished Diplomates and Fellows of the Institute badges to the appropriate people in the MYIHMM database. These two badges will be accompanied by new lapel pins to be sent to each of those distinguished by holding these designations.
IHMM Credentials Accredited By
Need Help? On the IHMM website just click on the “NEED HELP?” button
and let us know what you need and the right person will get right back with you.
In Memoriam, Dr. John Henry Frick
We are saddened to inform IHMM of the passing of one of our founding members, Dr. John Henry Frick
John Henry Frick, 80, — husband, father, grandfather, friend, colleague — passed away at home surrounded by his family on June 10, 2023. He fought pancreatic cancer valiantly for over 4 years.
John was born on a family farm in Quay, Oklahoma on November 14, 1942. He grew up picking cotton, milking cows, hauling hay, and performing the myriad other chores involved with farming. This unrelenting labor led him to diligently pursue his education. He graduated from Quay High School in 1960 and began attending the 2-year Connors State College in Warner, OK that fall. After the first year, John spent the summer selling bibles and books door-to-door in Luray, VA. Since he did not have a car, he would walk the country roads around Luray to make his sales. After his second year, he and friends headed west to California where they harvested plums near Bakersfield.
In the fall of 1962, John transferred to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. It was here, during the spring semester, that he met the love of his life, Wanda Fleetwood. They were married in December 1963 in an unusual pre-Christmas Oklahoma snowstorm.
Read more >> https://ihmm.org/in-memoriam-dr-john-henry-frick/
IHMM UPDATES
Cleanup, repairs underway on collapsed section of I-95
EEOC sues electrical contractor for age discrimination
Port of Seattle’s cargo operations shut by work action
OSHA cites discount retailers Dollar General, Dollar Tree again
Illinois contractor facing $66K in new OSHA fines
Employee well-being training creates a more engaged, productive workforce
The psychology behind colors and symbols in safety messaging
It’s construction season: Time for a refresher on worksite safety protocols
Federal workplace safety inspectors find Illinois contractor continues to expose roofing workers to deadly fall hazards, despite 2019, 2022 violations
Do Workplaces Need to Discuss Trauma?
Regulatory Update: OSHA Cites Amazon for Medical Mismanagement
Supreme Court sides with concrete employer over Teamsters strike
Boston’s new construction safety ordinance mandates 3 key steps
Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH) Meeting Notice
Start Your Ergonomics Process Off Right for Sustainable Success
Canadian wildfires prompt Northeast contractors to send workers home
A Positive Youth Development Approach to School Safety
Employee Testifies Restaurants Offered Priest to Extract Confessions of Workplace ‘Sins’, Federal Court Orders Payment of $140k to 35 Workers
US DOL Orders SD Helicopter Ambulance Service to Reinstate Mechanic who Reported Safety Concerns, Filed FAA Complaint
OSHA Recognizes Black Hills Energy Technician in Cheyenne, WY, as Voluntary Protection Programs Leader of the Year
Retail Theft Overlooked by Prosecutors at Expense of Shoppers and Worker Safety, House Panel Told
Psychological Safety in Engineering Starts with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Spotlight on Workplace Safety: How to Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls
Washington Adds Orange Lane Striping to I-5 Work Zone for First Time
IOSHA Issues Serious Violation, Proposed $6k Fine Following Death of Worker in Greenwood
How a Brown County Kansas School Safety Initiative Made its Entire Community Safer
Here’s Who Will be Exhibiting at the 2023 Campus Safety Conferences
San Joaquin County grand jury finds ‘limited knowledge’ of what’s in school safety plans, makes recommendations
School Safety Expands its Boundaries
Mentor Schools safety drill focuses on preparation, coordination
Texas ‘panic alert’ school safety bill signed by governor
Update on Phoenix Elementary school safety study presented to Grand Forks council members
Incoming Denver Public Schools security chief: ‘I’m not afraid to jump into the fire’
Newark’s Three Largest Charter Schools Tighten Security
Practice Cyber Safety and Security During Internet Safety Month
Online Safety Resources for the K-12 Community
Marengo Company to Pay Thousands to Iowa OSHA for Plant Explosion
OSHA Refers Investigation on Missouri Teens Landfill Death to Child Labor Division
IHMM GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
State and Federal Activities
In this section, we will highlight other state and federal government affairs activities undertaken by the committee.
Current Priorities April-July 2023
DOL/OSHA Spring Regulatory Agenda > Process Safety Management and Prevention of Major Chemical Accidents
DOL/OSHA Spring Regulatory Agenda > Personal Protective Equipment in Construction
DOL/OSHA Spring Regulatory Agenda > Update to the Hazard Communication Standard
DOL/OSHA Spring Regulatory Agenda > Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act
PHMSA Recycled Plastics Policy – https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/04/14/2023-07869/hazardous-materials-request-for-feedback-on-recycled-plastics-policy
Ohio EPA Hazardous Waste Rules – https://epa.ohio.gov/about/media-center/events/public-hearing-HazWasteRules
NY Department of Labor rulemaking concerning the recognition of the CSHM and CSMP. IHMM’s comments concerning initiating this rulemaking are here
Work with Eric Vega in Puerto Rico concerning credential recognition
Review of the Governor of Nevada’s Executive Order concerning licensing boards and potential for recognition of the CHMM. IHMM’s comments on the Governor’s Executive Order are here
Scheduling meetings with the Maryland Congressional delegation concerning the Certified Pandemic Preparedness Specialist [CPPS] credential
Webinar: Assessment of Elastomeric Respirators in Healthcare Settings – July 11
On Tuesday, July 11 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET), NIOSH is hosting a webinar titled, Assessment of Elastomeric Respirators in Healthcare Delivery Settings: Randomized-controlled Elastomeric Studies with PCR technology: disinfection Safety and Effectiveness (RESPonSE). In this webinar, researchers from Emory University and the University of Texas will present the findings of a disinfection study on an elastomeric half mask respirator (EHMR) using common disinfectants found in a hospital setting. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of common hospital disinfectants on an EHMR, assess and compare different disinfection methods, and determine best practices.
For more information about the webinar, visit https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/webinars/AssessmentElastomericRespirators.html.
Professional Certification Coalition
IHMM is a member of the PCC. The PCC monitors state and federal legislative and regulatory activity affecting professional certification on an ongoing basis. The PCC has compiled several “Watchlists” identifying and analyzing provisions in pending legislation at both the state and federal level that, under applicable rules, may still be enacted in the current legislative session. Depending on the carry-over rules in the relevant legislature, the charts listing current legislation may include bills introduced in a prior year. In addition, the PCC compiles each year a chart of enacted legislation that affects certification. The charts include hyperlinks to every bill or executive order. Note that the Watchlist and the Enacted Legislation document do not include profession-specific legislation and do not include regulatory initiatives. The charts will be updated as needed based on new developments.
Beltway Buzz – Ogletree Deakins
Debt Limit Done. Now What? With the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the rearview mirror, this week the U.S. Congress turned to other matters. The U.S. Senate spent the week focusing on nominations to federal agencies. In the U.S. House of Representatives, however, legislative progress was short-lived. Roughly one dozen Republicans frustrated action on the House floor this week in order to exact political concessions from Speaker Kevin McCarthy over what they considered his mishandling of the debt ceiling crisis. Looking ahead, the next major legislative hurdle will be funding the federal government beyond September 30, 2023. Actions on the House floor this week perhaps indicate that this won’t be an easy lift.
SCOTUS Cements Ruling on Property Destruction During Labor Disputes. On June 1, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States issued an 8–1 decision holding that the National Labor Relations Act does not preempt an employer’s property damages claim against a labor union for actions it took during a labor dispute. The employer, a concrete company, sought damages after the union representing its employees initiated a work stoppage while concrete was being delivered to customers. The concrete went undelivered, hardened, and became useless. Justice Amy Coney Barrett wrote:
Indeed, far from taking reasonable precautions to mitigate foreseeable danger to [the employer’s] property, the Union executed the strike in a manner designed to compromise the safety of [the employer’s] trucks and destroy its concrete. Such conduct is not “arguably protected” by the NLRA; on the contrary, it goes well beyond the NLRA’s protections.
Eric C. Stuart, Daniel A. Adlong, and Zachary V. Zagger have the details.
Acting Secretary Su in the Hot Seat. On June 7, 2023, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing entitled, “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Labor,” which featured one witness: Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. While ostensibly about the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget request, Su’s nomination to be the permanent secretary of labor served as an underlying theme of the hearing. As such, the hearing covered a wide variety of labor and employment policy topics, including independent contractors, the pending changes to the overtime regulations, apprenticeship programs, project labor agreements, national contract negotiations, unemployment insurance, child labor, and the DOL’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing rule. Clearly, House Republicans are prepared to push back on any final DOL independent contractor regulation or overtime proposal.
NLRB Member to Get Another Term? President Biden has renominated Gwynne A. Wilcox to serve a second term as a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Wilcox began her tenure on the Board on August 4, 2021, and her term is scheduled to end on August 27, 2023. Democrats currently enjoy a 3–1majority on the Board. If confirmed, Wilcox will serve through mid-2028—potentially two-and-a-half years into a Republican administration. At this time, there is no word on whether President Biden might also nominate a Republican to fill the seat vacated by John F. Ring in December 2022.
EEOC Religious Discrimination Claims Skyrocket. After being pressed by Republican House members to “post data on the types of discrimination charges filed with the agency,” the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently posted its charge data for FY 2022 (October 2021 through September 2022). The most noteworthy development was the rise of religious discrimination claims, which increased from 2,111 in FY 2021 to 13,814 in FY 2022—a 554 percent increase. Charges based on religious discrimination claims represented 18.8 percent of the total charges filed with the EEOC in 2022. This increase was likely due to regulations and policies addressing COVID-19 vaccines. The rise of religious discrimination claims in the workplace is particularly noteworthy (query whether the trend will continue), given that the Supreme Court is soon expected to issue a ruling that could change the standard for determining whether a religious accommodation request creates an “undue hardship” for an employer.
Congress Moving to Address AI? As the Buzz has been tracking over recent weeks, Congress and our federal regulators appear to be taking preliminary steps to address various facets and applications of artificial intelligence and algorithmic learning. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announced this week that he would be convening “three bipartisan Senators-only briefings” to “take the time to learn from the leading minds in AI, across sectors, and consider both the benefits and risks of this technology.” Leader Schumer promises the three hearings will address the following questions:
- “Where is AI today?”
- “What is the frontier of AI and how do we maintain American leadership?”
- “How do the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community use AI today and what do we know about how our adversaries are using AI[?]”
According to Majority Leader Schumer’s announcement, “AI is already changing our world, and experts have repeatedly told us that it will have a profound impact on everything from our national security to our classrooms to our workforce, including potentially significant job displacement.”
IHMM Credential Recognition
The highest priority of IHMM’s Government Affairs Committee is the recognition of IHMM’s credentials by government. We have made substantial progress in the two years we have undertaken this endeavor, as outlined in detail here > https://ihmm.org/credential-recognition/
In this project we have 45-in-5, increasing the number of states that recognize IHMM credentials.
- We have already succeeded in 13 states – New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Arkansas, Oklahoma. Ohio, North Dakota, and Georgia. [Red states in the map above]. These are states where IHMM credentials are cited or 40 CFR 312.10 is cited by reference.
- We have partially succeeded in another 16 states – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, Kansas, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Delaware, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine. [Orange/Black Stripe states in the map above] These are states where the requirements of an “environmental professional” or QEP are cited that coincide with an IHMM credential so that relatively little work would need to be done to clarify the desired outcome.
- We have 21 states where no reference to an IHMM credential is made in either statute or regulation, nor is there anything defined in the area of an environmental professional. These states will require legislation or regulatory work. [Yellow states in the map above].
in January 2022 Gene Guilford released the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation that states a private certification that meets or exceeds the requirements of the regulation is an Environmental Professional under the regulation. Here is the crosswalk between the 40 CFR § 312.10 EPA regulation and the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager [CHMM] blueprint. The CHMM meets or exceeds the requirements of an Environmental Professional.
Here’s what we ask each volunteer to do:
- Watch legislative and regulatory developments in your state that provide an opportunity for us to create amendments or other interventions
- Be willing to speak with regulators and legislators in your area about the recognition efforts we craft together
INSIDE IHMM
IHMM Board of Directors Nominations – Deadline June 30th
IHMM Directors and Officers are volunteers who serve without pay. They may serve up to two, four-year terms. Directors are responsible for the governance of IHMM, including establishing the overall direction of IHMM, the appointment of Executive Director, policy-making, and financial management.
IHMM has two Board seats expiring at the end of 2023. IHMM is soliciting candidates for these two seats; one At-Large Director seat that may be held by a CHMM, CHMP, CDGP, CSHM or CSMP. One CSMP Director seat must be held by a CSMP.
The composition of the present Board is here > https://ihmm.org/board-of-directors/
Qualified candidates may submit nomination papers [self-nomination is acceptable] on or before June 30, 2023. The documents for this announcement, procedures, and nomination form are here:
There are 979 different conversations going on in the IHMM/HMS Collaboration platform this week.
A collaborative culture is important for every business but is especially important for our hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environment, health, and safety communities of practice. Do you have a problem you need to solve and want the opinions of your colleagues? This is where we come together to help each other.
IHMM credentialed professionals are at the top 1% of their professions and their reach is global. We are at the forefront of environmental protection, health, and safety and this is where collaborating with the best people in their fields, always willing to help one another, lessens the stress of our jobs, and where we strive as a team to make a difference of which we are proud.
We opened COLLABORATION to enable thousands of certificants and supporters to collaborate together. You can collaborate here.
Access to COLLABORATION is through the same username/password you use to access your MYIHMM account. Having a problem? Contact Jimmy Nguyen at [email protected]
IHMM Excellence in EHS Management Award
The Excellence in EHS Management Award recognizes an individual who has excelled in their role as an EHS manager. The Institute for Hazardous Materials Management [IHMM] will present the award at the annual National Safety Council Expo.
The honoree will receive a commemorative plaque and be recognized in a press release and in IHMM member communications. Travel expenses to the award ceremony will be subsidized. If traveling from overseas IHMM will pay travel expenses from the nearest port of entry.
Nominations will be accepted from March through July of each year and the presentation to the winner will be in conjunction with the National Safety Council Congress and Expo, this year on October 23-25, 2023 in New Orleans.
Make your nominations here >> https://ihmm.org/ehs-management-award/
See previous award winners here >> https://ihmm.org/past-honorees/
Drive Proactive ESG and EHS Improvements Across Your Business
Environmental, social and corporate governance and environmental, health and safety requirements are becoming more demanding every year. With an increasing number of regulations, more complex supply chains and expanding global workforces, having immature processes for ESG and EHS is a weakness that will have a significant impact on your growth and innovation.
The Intelex Environmental, Health & Safety Blueprint e-book shows you how to support your ESG and EHS programs to make them proactive, resilient and valuable to your organization. With product descriptions, maturity rankings and case studies, the blueprint provides a clear path to improving your business performance through ESG and EHS.
Read the Intelex e-book here
How Effective Is Your Forklift Safety Training?
To identify gaps in your forklift safety training, ask these eight questions to evaluate your current program.
A fragmented and inconsistent approach to safety is inadequate when applied to today’s dynamic, fast-moving work environments. The result can include increased risk to employees, disruptions in operations, damaged equipment and exposure to compliance issues.
Implementing an integrated and individualized approach to a safety training plan can help bring a consistent focus to safety management. It also stresses the important role everyone plays in creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
A robust training program is a vital component of an integrated and individualized approach to safety. It needs to be a program designed to do more than simply check a box on a safety checklist. The effectiveness of a forklift safety training program can vary significantly depending on how it is delivered and who within the organization is receiving it.
Read more by clicking here.
Entertainment Company Faces Proposed Penalties, Citation After Fatal Workplace Fire and Explosion
Four workers lost their lives and one spent time in the hospital with “near-fatal injuries” after the December 2022 incident.
OSHA has cited an entertainment company following the death of four workers late last year.
In December 2022, four workers of Magic in the Sky Florida LLC lost their lives and a fifth who experienced “near-fatal injuries” was hospitalized after a fire and explosion, caused by an ignition, trapped them in an Orlando, Florida storage facility, according to a news release. The workers, aged 22 to 27, had been preparing fireworks “for a local show.”
Per the news release, OSHA said the entertainment company, based in Florida, did not:
- “Ensure proper storage of explosive materials used in commercial fireworks displays.
- Comply with OSHA’s process safety management standard for preventing or minimizing the unplanned ignition of explosive materials, by performing a hazard analysis, and developing and implementing written process safety procedures and an emergency action plan.
- Ensure electrical equipment in the work area was designed and classified for use in hazardous locations and could not serve as an ignition source.
- Develop a hazard communication program and maintain safety data sheets.”
In the news release, OSHA Acting Area Office Director Audrey Windham in Orlando, Florida, said, “The deaths of four young workers and a fifth worker’s life-changing injuries exposed Magic in the Sky’s systemic failures that likely led to a fire and explosion the company could have prevented, which only adds to the tragedy.”
Magic in the Sky Florida LLC is now facing a citation for 10 serious violations and $109,375 in proposed penalties.
“Companies that use pyrotechnics must ensure safety protocols are strictly followed to protect workers from catastrophic consequences,” Windham continued.
Read the original article by clicking here.
READOUT: US Department of Labor Roundtable Marks Equal Pay Act, Title IX Anniversaries, Reflects on Advances, Hurdles Ahead for Women
The U.S. Department of Labor today hosted the U.S. Department of Education and a diverse panel of women leaders in the professional sports industry for roundtable discussion to mark the significance of the Equal Pay Act and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Moderated by Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon, “Getting in the Game: Women in Sports Careers,” celebrated the impact of the two legislative milestones on women pursuing careers in professional sports and examined how to build upon the gains made possible by these laws and women in the industry.
The livestreamed event included the Department of Education’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategic Operations and Outreach in the Office for Civil Rights Suzanne Goldberg, National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives and Legislative Affairs Kim Davis, National Basketball Association Official Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, Spisak Agency Founder KJ Spisak and Florida State University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Brooke Wyckoff.
Read more by clicking here.
A Look at National Safety Month 2023
Explore the four key safety themes that will drive discussions and actions throughout the month.
It’s June, and that means it’s National Safety Month—a time specifically dedicated to focus on the importance and value of safety.
“Since its start, the National Safety Council [NSC] has been on a mission to promote safety and health,” Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of NSC—which founded the observance 27 years ago—said in a news release. “Regardless of whether you’re on the job, on the roads, in your community or at home, in order to be safe, you must be able to feel safe, and safety means something different for each of us; it’s personal.”
In 2023, 5,190 workers lost their lives to work-related injuries, and an additional 2,607,900 workers were injured on the job, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Read more by clicking here.
Lawmakers reintroduce bill to increase truckers’ access to restrooms
Back in the House: Bipartisan legislation that would require businesses to provide restroom access to truckers who are loading or delivering cargo at their warehouses, distribution centers, retailers and ports.
Reps. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) reintroduced the Trucker Bathroom Access Act (H.R. 3869) on June 6 – about six months after similar legislation was halted during the previous session of Congress.
Under the bill, establishments with restrooms “intended for use by customers or employees” would have to allow truckers the same access. It doesn’t require businesses to build new restrooms.
Rail facilities, filling and service stations, and smaller restaurants with “employee use only” restrooms are not covered by the legislation.
Read more by clicking here.
Wisconsin Food Manufacturer’s History of Violations Continues, Federal Investigators Find Safety Failures Led to Two Workers Amputation Injuries
OSHA proposes $277K in penalties for Abbyland Foods’ lack of machine guarding
The operator of a north central Wisconsin meat and sausage manufacturing plant might have spared two employees from suffering serious hand injuries by following required machine safety standards, a U.S. Department of Labor investigation found.
Inspectors with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigating how a turning auger on a meat processing machine at Abbyland Foods Inc. amputated the top of a 37-year-old worker’s finger in December 2022, received a report of a second worker’s injury at the plant a month later. In the January 2023 incident, a sliding guard on a trash compactor crushed a 23-year-old worker’s hand.
Following the December injury, OSHA expanded its inspection under the Wisconsin Food Manufacturing Industry Local Emphasis Program. The emphasis program focuses on many hazards that can lead to serious injury, illness, and death in the food manufacturing industry. OSHA interviewed over 70 employees across all shifts at the facility during the two investigations.
Read more by clicking here.
ASSP Slates Date for Safety 24
The association called on safety professionals to mark their calendars for next year’s show, which will be in a new location and new time of year.
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is calling on members to save the date for next year’s Safety 24 conference and expo: The event will run Aug. 7-9, 2024, in Denver, Colo.
The reason for the late summer timing, as opposed to early summer, is due to a rescheduling that occurred during the Covid-19 public health emergency, noted Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM, president of the ASSP.
While the show is very much in its planning stages, with the call for presentations currently underway, safety professionals can start planning their visit at visitdenver.com/safety2024. Sullivan, who lived in Denver for 28 years, advised attendees to take advantage of the location.
“Denver is an incredible city,” she said. “It’s a great place for people to take their families and enjoy the mountains either before or after the conference.”
Read the original article by clicking here.
Is Work Stress Affecting Our Home Lives?
Over 1 in 3 of U.S. workers said they miss out on nonwork activities due to exhaustion from work.
The answer to that question is yes, according to research from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 2023 State of Mental Health & Well-being in the Workplace Study.
Talking with over 1,000 workers between March 15 and March 28, many workers are “experiencing low energy and exhaustion at the end of the workday, affecting their capacity to participate in activities outside of work.” Looking at the specific activities the survey found:
- One-third of the workers sampled in this study said it was difficult for them to unwind after work.
- 2 in 5 U.S. workers in the study said they avoid tasks that require high focus or concentration after work.
- Over 1 in 3 U.S. workers (38%) said they miss out on nonwork activities due to exhaustion from work.
And the numbers are somewhat surprising in that 47% say that they have little energy to participate in nonwork activities.
Read more by clicking here.
Does traffic noise affect work performance?
A relatively low level of noise from outdoor traffic can have cognitive effects on workers inside nearby buildings, according to Swedish researchers.
A team from Chalmers University used a laboratory that had a speaker system that let researchers simulate sounds such as outdoor traffic.
Participants took tests in which letters were displayed and they had to press buttons – all while being subject to various noises. They also completed a subjective assessment of their workload rated in six areas: perceived mental workload, physical workload, time pressure, effort, performance and frustration level.
The researchers found that noise levels as low as 40 decibels affected work performance.
“Near busy roads, it is difficult to achieve good indoor sound environments, even with well-insulated buildings and windows,” a university press release states.
The study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Read the original article by clicking here.
Worker Dies in Illinois Trench Collapse, OSHA Cites Company
The company faces a citation for one willful and one serious violation and $35,940 in proposed penalties.
An Illinois plumbing contracting business was cited following the death of a 27-year-old worker.
According to a news release, two employees were in a seven-foot-deep trench at a worksite in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, when it collapsed. Although one of the workers escaped and suffered no injuries during the December 2022 incident, the second was fatally crushed.
“Trench collapses are one of the construction industry’s most deadly hazards. Soil can shift suddenly and bury a person under thousands of pounds of dirt and rocks,” said OSHA Chicago North Area Director Sukhvir Kaur in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in the news release.
After OSHA discovered that Rooter Solutions Inc. neither had cave-in protection in the trench nor made sure workers were using head protection, the agency cited the business for one willful and one serious violation. Rooter Solutions Inc. now faces $35,940 in proposed penalties.
From 2011 to 2018, 166 workers—or about 21 workers every year—lost their lives from trench collapses, per OSHA, but 2022’s fatalities were almost double that average. “This worker’s death was one of 39 caused by fatal injuries in trench collapses in 2022,” Kaur added.
Read the original article by clicking here.
16 Colorado Employers Recognized For Recording Zero Worker Injury and Illnesses on the Job in 2022
OSHA, Region VIII VPPPA also name outstanding safety and health professionals
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized 16 Colorado employers for recording zero injury or illness incidents in 2022.
The companies are members of the OSHA Region VIII Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association and are among 35 “Zeroes Heroes” companies in the six-state mountain region of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. These employers have all achieved OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program status and demonstrate that developing comprehensive safety and health programs remains the most effective way for businesses to prevent injuries and illness on the job.
Read more by clicking here.
Employers’ ‘therapy speak’ often misses the mark: poll
Results of a recently released poll show that workers have trouble trusting employers and supervisors who use “therapy speak” but don’t follow it up with helpful actions.
“Therapy speak” includes statements such as “We understand these are challenging times,” “We’re all in this together” or “We’re like family.” Around two-thirds of the workers polled said they’ve experienced therapy-speak statements at their workplaces.
Harris Poll reports that 71% of employees view these statements as inauthentic – and 69% find them hypocritical. More than half of employees feel resentment toward leadership when therapy speak is used.
“We’re hitting this tipping point of, ‘I’d rather you say nothing at all than say something just to say something without the action to back it up,’” said Abbey Lunney, managing director of thought leadership at Harris Poll. “[When] the CEO email lands incorrectly – it rubs someone the wrong way or whatever it is – it impacts people’s entire relationship with work.
“Employers think that they’re doing a great job … but they’re missing the mark.”
Read the original article by clicking here.
Employees Delaying Medical Care For a Variety of Reasons
Some advice for employers on how they can address this situation.
What impact has delayed care, due to the pandemic, had on employees and how can employers mitigate this?
Let’s look at a recent survey of 5,000 people conducted by Integrated Benefits Institute. Here are some of their findings:
- Less than 75% of employees are up to date on preventive screenings and immunizations.
- 58% of employees delayed necessary medical care due to cost or insurance barriers
- 42% reported delays because there wasn’t an appointment available
- 35% delayed or avoided care due to fear of getting or spreading COVID-19.
Reasons for not being up to date on preventive screenings included the belief that it wasn’t necessary because “I’m young and healthy” (17%). Others said it was due to costs/can’t afford (14%).
Read more by clicking here.
OSHA’s FY 2023 Outreach Initiatives
As part of our efforts to keep you informed of OSHA’s activities, we have attached a document that summarizes OSHA’s outreach initiatives for FY 2023. It includes a summary of key national initiatives, a listing of priority industries/topics, and a calendar of key dates. Please note: As we receive new/updated information about events, we will share it with you.
We hope this document will be a helpful tool as we continue to work together to support OSHA’s outreach initiatives.
See > https://ihmm.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/OSHA-FY2023-Outreach-Initiatives.pdf
OSHA’s Safe + Sound Campaign is a nationwide opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the value of proactive occupational safety and health (OSH) programs in all workplaces. Mark your calendars! Safe + Sound Week will take place from August 7-13, 2023. Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. Registration for Safe + Sound Week opens in early July. We look forward to your participation!
Safe + Sound emphasizes the need for safety programs at small- and mid-sized businesses, which are more likely to have limited resources dedicated to safety. As you know, effective OSH programs can help organizations identify and manage workplace risk before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line. Safety and health management systems are a critical best practice to ensure that OSH programs achieve significant results and lower risk exposure.
Halt a Hazard
Workplace hazards can emerge over time. Setting aside time to regularly identify and rank safeguards can help keep safety and health hazards under control and keep workers safe.
- Identify ONE hazard to control within your workplace.
- Brainstorm potential controls using OSHA’s Identifying Hazard Control Options: The Hierarchy of Controls.
- Choose and implement which control(s) are most effective for your workplace.
- Download your challenge coin and share that you have completed the Halt a Hazard Challenge via email or on social media using #HaltAHazard and #SafeAndSoundAtWork!
Beat the Heat
Under the OSH Act, employers are responsible for protecting workers from known hazards, including heat. Developing a heat injury and illness prevention plan is vital to keeping workers safe. Highlighting the dangers of heat is an important first step in educating workers and employers on how to prevent and recognize when heat is affecting workers’ health and safety. Since heat illness can be a medical emergency, planning and preparing for heat illness is essential to increase the chances of a positive outcome.
OSHA is sponsoring a Beat the Heat contest to raise awareness about the dangers and hazards of heat exposure in indoor and outdoor workplaces and to motivate workers, employers, and others to take action to prevent heat illness. To participate, stakeholders will create an awareness tool to increase worker and employer knowledge about hazardous heat in the workplace. The contest is open now, and submissions are due by June 9, 2023.
IHMM CSHMⓇ 2022 Salary Survey
IHMM is pleased to release its 2022 salary survey for Certified Safety and Health Managers Ⓡ [CSHMⓇ] across a broad range of position titles in the CSHMⓇ community of practice.
IHMM – 26 Fellows Are Mentors
IHMM Fellows Committee Chair Atanu Das, CHMM, is leading the effort within the IHMM Collaboration networking platform to provide instruction to the more than 75 IHMM Fellows in becoming mentors.
Given the extraordinary experience Fellows have, this is a unique opportunity for IHMM Fellows to help guide more recent certificants in their professional development activities.
IHMM’s Collaboration platform contains a “Mentor Match” module [see below at right] that allows mentors to signup designating the hours, number of mentees, subject areas, and length of time they wish to mentor – as well as allowing mentees to signup requesting assistance in specified areas. The mentor match module does the rest by matching mentors and mentees.
Recert Video #1
Recert Video #2
IHMM Recertification Videos
IHMM is pleased to release two YouTube instructional videos about navigating the IHMM recertification process. These step-by-step videos easily enable IHMM certificants to start and complete a recertification application.
While the full recertification cycle is 5 years, IHMM encourages all certificants to start a recertification application and add certification maintenance points as they are earned to make the final submission quick and easy to accomplish.
- Every CSHM and CSMP should start a recertification application now.
- Even if your recertification is years away, starting an application now and adding your accumulated points enables you to see where you are all the time and it makes it very easy when you have to file your application
IHMM Scholarship Program
The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management is pleased to have created $32,000 in academic scholarships, divided equally between $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student CHMMs, and $16,000 for students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate education in approved schools and who are also Student ASHMs.
IHMM seeks to foster the growth and academic success of students whose courses of education, and participation in one of our Student certifications, will lead to those students becoming fully-certified IHMM credential holders later in their professional lives. The first two IHMM Scholarships were awarded before Thanksgiving to Thomas Gerding, Student ASHM, and Ryan Bellacov, Student CHMM! Congratulations to Thomas and Ryan for being our first scholarship award winners.
Go to > https://ihmm.org/scholarship/
Retiring? IHMM Invites You to Become an Emeritus
You may have decided, after a long and successful career, to retire from active daily duty. Congratulations. That doesn’t mean you have to completely disengage from your profession. IHMM is pleased to offer Emeritus status to all certificants who will no longer be actively engaged in their communities of practice but who still want to stay in touch. Please let us know when you’re approaching that decision and we will assist you in the credential transition.
Please contact Margaret Toscano at [email protected] and she’ll be happy to help you.
National Safety Council
IHMM is a member of the National Safety Council and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
NSC News
OSHA to employers: Protect workers from wildfire smoke, poor air quality
Injury prevention for hotel workers: New NIOSH tip sheet
Could rumble strips curb distracted driving in work zones?
Many truckers say marijuana legalization doesn’t impact safety: report
Many workers feeling even more burned out, study shows
Federal worker advisory committee set to meet virtually next month
NSC Webinars
June 22 – The Human Side of Safety: Overcome Objections and Address Motivations to Increase Participation
June 29 – Creating a High Reliability Organization – Blending Culture & Human Performance Reliability
July 20 – Forklift Safety & Compliance: Your Toughest Questions Answered!
July 27 – Turning Standards into Digital Inspections and Processes: A Practical Guide
IHMM is a member of ASSP and is pleased to bring this important information to all of its certificants.
ASSP News
Episode 109: Building an Effective Safety Management System for a Contingent Workforce
Episode 108: How to Identify and Prevent Struck-by Hazards on Your Work Sites
We Can Impact Worker Well-Being
Episode 106: What the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Means for Safety Professionals and Employers
ASSP Joins With Other Groups in Supporting OSHA and NIOSH Funding for FY2024
ASSP Launches Online Education Series on Standards
ASSP Webinars
June 15-July 13 – ONLINE COURSE: Enterprise Risk Management for Safety Professionals
June 22 – Managing Infectious Diseases and Health Hazards in the Construction Industry
June 29 – Hand Safety When Exposed to Energized Equipment
July 6-August 3 – ONLINE COURSE: Implementing an ANSI/ASSP Z10 Management System Based on Systems Thinking
July 6 – August 3 – ONLINE COURSE: Implementing ISO 45001 Course
July 13-August 10 – ONLINE COURSE: Risk Assessment and Management for Safety Professionals
ASSP Standards News
The U.S. TAG to ANSI for ISO TC283 approved ISO 45002 and ISO 45006 as ANSI registered technical reports.
- ISO/ASSP TR 45002-2023: Occupational health and safety management systems – General guidelines for the implementation of ISO 45001:2018
- ISO/ASSP TR 45006-2023: Occupational health and safety management – Guidelines for organizations on preventing and managing infectious diseases
At this point, the adoption process is complete. We will conclude limited public review and then move forward with publication of ISO 45002 and ISO 45006 as an ANSI Registered Technical Report[s].
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SOCIETY
IHMM and HMS
The graphic to the left illustrates the relationship between IHMM and HMS. IHMM formed HMS to serve IHMM’s certificants. IHMM offers a variety of professional credentials and HMS creates education and training programs to serve the applicants and certificants of those credentials.
AIHA, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
American Industrial Hygiene Association [AIHA] an HMS training partner, has added its first of many courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs in support of IHMM certificants holding the CHMM, CHMP, CSHM, and CSMP credentials. Thank you, AIHA.
CHEMTREC, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
CHEMTREC, an HMS training partner, has had 6 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee, chaired by Diana Lundelius. Thank you CHEMTREC, and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Bowen EHS, HMS Training Partner, Adds Courses for IHMM Certificants
Bowen EHS, an HMS training partner, has had 4 courses approved in advance for earning IHMM recertification certification maintenance points. We are pleased to promote these programs as reviewed and approved by the HMS Education and Training Committee, chaired by Diana Lundelius. Thank you Bowen EHS and thank to HMS’ Education and Training Committee.
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
| Daily | EPCRA Tier II Reporting | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | CHMM Online Review | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Emergency Management Self-Paced PDC | Bowen EHS | Online |
| Daily | Acute Toluene Exposure Webinar | Bowen EHS | Online |
Thank you Bowen EHS for contributing programs enabling IHMM certificants to engage in professional development and earn important CMPs! All three of the new Bowen EHS programs are available online and on demand.
Easily Find Courses to Help You Pass IHMM Credential Exams
This week we add the Federation of Environmental Technologists [FET] EHMM course to the CHMM examination preparation schedule. FET is the CHMM chapter in Wisconsin and IHMM is proud to support them and help to promote their EHMM offering to IHMM’s CHMM applicants.
CDGP® Prep Course
CE-1112: CDGP® Exam Prep – Columbia Southern University – Available On Demand
CHMM® Prep Courses
Daily – CHMM® Online Review – Bowen
Daily – CHMM® Prep Course – Institute of Safety & Systems Management
Daily –Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMM®) Exam Prep – SPAN Exam Prep, Division of ClickSafety
CSHM® Prep Courses
CSMP® Prep Courses
Respiratory Protection Program Management – Susan Harwood Training Grant
University of Texas Medical Branch, William J. Pate, CHMM
This training course is intended to educate participants on the requirements of developing and implementing a compliant Respiratory Protection Program. The focus of this course will be on topics related to preparation for an infectious disease pandemic. At the end of this training the attendee should be able to:
1) Manage an effective respiratory protection program through proficient application of 29 CFR 1910.134
2) Compare potential routes of exposure
3) Identify and implement potential controls (engineering, administrative, and PPE)
4) List the equipment needed to support fit testing
5) Explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative fit testing
6) Discuss the different types of respiratory protection available
7) Demonstrate correct donning/doffing of respiratory protection
This training course is 7.5 hours and participants will receive a certificate of completion that may be suitable for professional certification maintenance (CSP, CIH, CHMM, CHSP, etc.).
This course will provide 7.5 Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) contact hours. Accreditation statement: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is approved with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Louisiana State Nurses Association – Approver, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. LSNA Provider No. 4002176
This training is available only to employees and employers who are subject to OSHA regulatory requirements. Grant-funded training is not available to state or local government employees unless they have occupational safety & health responsibilities (e.g. occupational safety and health trainers, program managers, committee members, or employees responisble for abating unsafe and unhealthy working conditions for their organization). Registration in this course confirms that meet these conditions. This training will include the opportunity to don, doff, and fit test respiratory protection including N95, half-face, full-face, and powered air-purifying respirators. Anyone participating in this training and wanting to put on a respirator agrees that they have been medically cleared by their employer to do so in accordance with OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard.
The 8-hour training program is offered at various dates from March through September. For more information and registration for this FREE program go here >> https://www.utmb.edu/ehs/programs/radiation-occupational-safety-program/RPPSHTG2023
IHMM and HMS Tie Exam Preparation Together for Applicants
Every IHMM certification that requires an examination has a section of its website entitled Examination Preparation.
Connected to the Examination Preparation panel is a companion panel that is Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam.
You see the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel from the CSHM site at left.
When you click on the Find a Course to Prepare for the Exam panel it takes the applicant directly to the HMS site where all CSHM prep courses may be found and chosen.
If you want your prep courses on the HMS platform so it can be found by IHMM credential applicants, contact Gene Guilford at [email protected]
HMS Launches New Certified Safety Management Practitioner® [CSMP®] Exam Prep Course
The Hazardous Materials Society is pleased to announce that it is launching a new CSMP examination prep course. The CSMP prep course follows the launch in 2021 of the successful CSHM prep course in an agreement with VUBIZ.
The CSMP exam prep course is available on demand online, and is linked in the schedule below as well as on the IHMM CSMP website and under the CSMP hotbutton CSMP PREP on the HMS Education and Training webpage.
HMS Makes Finding Courses to Earn CMPs Easy
Every year more than 1,600 IHMM certificants have to recertify their credentials, evidenced their continuing commitment to improvement and learning to elevate their professional credential.
Earning Certification Maintenance Points [CMPs] is illustrated under Recertification of Your Credential, that includes the Recertification Claims Manual – Appendix A, that details all of the ways a certificant may earn CMPs > https://ihmm.org/recertification-claims/
Having mastered that manual, how does an IHMM certificant find courses to earn CMPs?
HMS has made that simple and easy.
- Go to https://hazmatsociety.org/education-training/
- Scroll down until you see a row of buttons…click on the CMPs button
The system will then generate all of the courses on the HMS E&T platform with IHMM CMPs already attached.
The next developments by the HMS E&T committee will refine available courses’ CMPs by individual credential!
RCM&D Professional Liability Insurance
HMS is proud to have partnered with RCM&D to be able to offer an outstanding comprehensive professional liability insurance program to IHMM certificants. Here, you will find information about this important program offering Environmental Consultants and Engineers Professional Liability coverage. This coverage is intended to add protection for loss stemming from actual or alleged negligent acts, errors and omissions in performing professional services.
For more information see > https://hazmatsociety.org/professional-liability-insurance/
Member Benefits of Hazardous Materials Society
99% of IHMM certificants are aware of the Hazardous Materials Society, which we appreciate. IHMM established the Hazardous Materials Society in order to support and provide services to IHMM certificants.
Did You Know?
Your company’s membership dues for Associate Membership in the Hazardous Materials Society (HMS) are 100% tax-deductible and your participation directly supports scholarship and education/training opportunities for professionals working in hazmat and EHS. Joining as an Associate Member expresses your commitment and your company’s leadership in giving back to our professional community. Join today to claim your tax deduction for the 2020 tax year while expressing your company’s professional affiliation and accessing tools for your marketing and business development plans.
To learn more about what HMS is doing now and what they are planning for the future, please see the new Member Benefits page here.
Donate to HMS
One of the most important projects of the Hazardous Materials Society is our Scholarship Program.
HMS wants to make it as easy as possible for those who cannot always afford to participate in pursuing certification, or keeping up with professional development, or attending great conferences and receiving outstanding training. HMS does not solicit contributions from the general public. HMS does ask IHMM’s certificants and their companies and our education and training vendors to consider a contribution.
Here, through your generosity, you can make a difference in promoting the ability of those who can afford it least to become participants in our communities of practice.
It’s never too late to make a difference, so don’t let this opportunity to make a difference pass you by. Please consider a tax-deductible donation of $250, $500 or what you can to help build HMS’s effort to help others in our communities of practice.
Applications for the 2023 HMS Scholarship Awards Now Open
The HMS scholarship award is given annually to undergraduate and graduate students whose academic program and research studies have the potential to address the most serious issues in handling hazardous materials, dangerous goods, environmental issues, health & safety challenges. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited U.S. academic institutions.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD APPLICATIONS IS December 1, 2023. All submissions and associated materials must be submitted using the online form.
Scholarship Winners Will Be Announced at the HMS Annual Meeting.
For More Information, Visit > https://hazmatsociety.org/scholarship/
Columbia Southern University
The Hazardous Materials Society [HMS] is a partner of Columbia Southern University. Columbia Southern University is an online university based in Orange Beach, Alabama, that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.
A subsidiary of Columbia Southern Education Group, CSU offers online degree programs at the associate, bachelor, master, doctorate or certificate levels in a multitude of areas such as occupational safety and health, fire administration, criminal justice, business administration, human resource management, health care administration and more. CSU also features undergraduate and graduate certificate programs to provide focused training in specialized areas for adult learners.
Click on the CSU graphic at left and learn more about the professional development and degree program opportunities at CSU.
IHMM CONFERENCES FOR 2023
IHMM will attend and support a number of conferences and trade shows throughout 2023, virtually as well as in-person as COVID issues allow. Below are some of the conferences IHMM will support in 2023.
Are there conferences you believe IHMM should attend that do not appear here? If so, let us know! Send an email to [email protected] and tell us what conferences we should attend.
41st Annual College & University Hazardous Material Management Conference
Corvallis, OR
August 6-9, 2023
National Safety Council Congress & Expo
New Orleans, LA
October 23-25, 2023
IHMM-HMS EVENTS CALENDAR
IHMM has a companion organization for which education and training programs are presented and delivered. The Hazardous Materials Society education and training website can be found here.
9210 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 470
Rockville, Maryland, 20850
www.ihmm.org | [email protected]
Phone: 301-984-8969 | Fax: 301-984-1516